Dr. Toy's Smart PLAY Smart Toys – Expanded & Updated 4th Edition. Stevanne Auerbach

While playing with blocks, the child gains skills needed for reading and math. He also learns about balance and selection—decision-making by shape and size. And he learns about the need to adapt, and to be flexible when he realizes he must make changes. He is also being creative and adaptive in fitting pieces together in new forms and shapes.

       Dr. Toy’s Tips on Toy Use and Storage

      

Toys should be easily accessible to the child.

      

Boxes can hold a lot of toys. Label them so it’s easy to determine the contents, or use clear boxes for quick identification.

      

Create sturdy shelves to hold boxes, games, and larger toys.

      

A hammock is great for storing stuffed animals, or a clothes line (with clothespins that snap open) can be hung from the ceiling or across a corner.

      

If you buy a toy chest, be sure it has a safety lock. Children have been caught inside chests and been unable to get out. Some toy chests can also be difficult for a young child to reach in and out of. It is preferable to have current toys on open shelves where toys can be easily seen, handled and returned.

       Dr. Toy’s Tips on Toy Use and Storage

      

Do not have too many toys and games cluttering the floor; it can be dangerous. If toys are easy to find and easy to put away, it will be more agreeable to your child to take care of them. They will last longer, and your offspring will have much less frustration when she wants to find something.

      

Children can learn to put toys away. This skill, part of Montessori’s teaching principles, is an important lesson. It’s a good way for your young one to learn to take responsibility.

      

Occasionally recycle the toys for fresh play so your child doesn’t get bored. (It’s also a good way to renew your child’s interest in old toys.)

      

Foam bats or bop bags (knock down they return upright) are useful in showing an acceptable way to ventilate angry or frustrated feelings.

      

Sorting, choosing, trying various shaped puzzle pieces and puzzle blocks heightens understanding of dissimilar sizes and how they can relate. This activity also gives significance to differentiating colors.

      

Games such as ring toss improve dexterity and focus.

      

Puppets expand communication skills.

      

Board games can improve social skills.

      

Books expand information, imagination, and understanding.

      

To fine-tune artistic talent, art supplies, craft kits or creative software programs are good choices.

      

A child’s competitive spirit—a vital survival tool—is enhanced by a board game, computer or positive video games. They’re a lot of fun, too.

       Toy Storage

      Once you have purchased your young one’s toys, the next challenge is to find the best place to store them so that they are neat and reasonably organized.

       The Playbook

      Consider keeping a “Playbook” — a notebook with ideas that apply to your child and tips from your reading and research. You can keep notes also of observations you make of your child’s play, her favorite activities, her “wish list,” and favorite toys. You might record birthday gifts and who gave them, and funny tidbits you want to remember years from now. You can keep photos of special toys, of the people who gave them, and of your child playing with them. The photos are a nice addition to the “Thank you!” note sent in your child’s own words or writing.

      Be sure to note the places where you were able to purchase the best toys. This would also be a good place to store your receipts and keep a list of the names of manufacturers you have found reliable.

       Observe Children at Play

      As has been mentioned, a parent who watches play patterns is versed in the child’s changing play needs.

      Play depends upon the young person’s willingness to experience her improvisations. It is her spirit—her inner being—that suggests unexpected twists and turns in her perceptions, that creates her laughter and funny faces, that turns a simple rock into a toad, a twig into an elf, a gesture into a regal dismissal of courtiers.

      Stimulate your little girl to draw from her inner self and infuse her playthings with her imagination. Provide her with boxes, fabrics, hats, and unusual props. They can give her a “warm-up” for more sophisticated playthings.

      Here are a few guidelines that apply to all children at play. You will find more specific information as we discuss types of products for each age.

      Expand your child’s playing repertoire. You may do this by introducing new toys gradually and allowing her to explore and discover new things. In the case of games she will need your assistance at first to learn to play by the rules. It’s fun to play with games of all kinds like Candy Land, Monopoly, Parcheesi, Othello, Scrabble, Apples to Apples, and of course, checkers, or chess with your child.

      Many toys are created for the child’s own self-discovery. Toys like LEGOs, Erector sets, Playmobil, Tinker Toys, and many other construction toys and wooden blocks open up hours of imaginative entertainment, involvement and pride of achievement.

      Your child has the ability to manipulate, to experiment, and to try new things. Children learn best in the early years by trial and error, observation and comparison, and discovery of their own abilities and those of others they may want to follow.

      Help your child be a good player, to take turns, to share, to learn how to win and to lose. Whether as a child or when grown to adulthood, a person who is a good loser and who does not quit is always a winner. A good loser is not just a being good sport; a good loser exerts confidence and knows that “losing” is just a temporary setback. If he keeps on playing he is on his way to ultimate success. Discovering this is a lesson in strength and stamina all kids need to master. Also consider selecting cooperative games that everyone plays and has fun finding solutions.

       Dr. Toy’s Tips on Child Observation

      Observe what occurs in your child’s play and write down important events in